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Bureau of Customs endorsed six cases to the Department of Finance under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act
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Cases include nine BOC personnel who also face draft criminal complaints under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act
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Three consignees are also named in the draft complaints for large-scale agricultural smuggling
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19 personnel subject to administrative cases for neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the service
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Alleged violations stem from irregularities in agricultural import processing at the Port of Subic
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Draft complaints were transmitted to the DOF for review before filing with the Department of Justice
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has endorsed criminal complaints against nine of its personnel for alleged violations of anti-agricultural smuggling and anti-graft laws, following an investigation into irregularities in agricultural shipments at the Port of Subic last year.
The agency, in a media release on March 4, confirmed that six cases were recently transmitted to the Department of Finance (DOF) under Republic Act (RA) No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, and that Customs employees were involved.
While the draft criminal complaints primarily name three consignees linked to large-scale agricultural smuggling, the agency said accountability also extends to its own ranks.
READ: BOC endorses complaints vs smugglers of agricultural goods
The nine personnel implicated will be facing charges for violation of Section 7 in relation to Section 14 of RA No. 12022 and for Section 3 of RA No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
In addition, 19 personnel are facing administrative cases for neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service arising from the same investigation.
The alleged violations were uncovered during a comprehensive probe into irregularities in the importation and processing of agricultural shipments at the Port of Subic, including suspected misdeclaration and unlawful facilitation of cargo clearance.
In compliance with RA No. 12022, the BOC transmitted the draft criminal complaints to the DOF for review and approval prior to filing the cases with the Department of Justice.
“The BOC is doing everything pursuant to Customs laws and regulations to ensure that justice is served. Errant personnel who violate customs laws will not be tolerated, and all responsible individuals will face full accountability,” Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.
He added that the enforcement actions are intended not only to penalize violations but also to “protect Filipino farmers, preserve fair market conditions, and safeguard the integrity of the country’s borders and trade system.”
The agency said the cases reflect its commitment to transparency, institutional integrity, and sustained efforts to curb agricultural smuggling and illicit trade.
